News

December 17, 2020By Physicians for a Healthy California General

As 2020 comes to a close, Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) is reflecting on this challenging, humbling, difficult, yet also inspiring year.

COVID-19 has ravaged California communities and families, disproportionately affecting communities of color, and claiming the lives of 21,881 of our family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

The pandemic has also shined a brighter light on the widening equity gaps that still exist in far too many California communities. COVID-19 infection rates are notably higher in communities with high poverty rates, according to an analysis of California’s 12 most populous counties. Indeed, those living in the poorest areas of Los Angeles County had a 65% higher rate of contracting the virus than those in wealthier areas. And Latino and Black residents have disproportionately higher rates of hospitalization for COVID-19 than white residents.

Our work remains vitally important, and PHC continues to be committed to realizing the state’s promise of quality, timely and affordable health care for all Californians.

PHC is also grateful and inspired to see the physician community supporting one another through increased volunteering and giving.

In 2020, PHC distributed more than $107.44 million to strengthen California’s health care safety net. CalHealthCares awarded $69.3 million in loan repayment funds to 318 physicians and dentists committed to providing care to Medi-Cal communities, while CalMedForce awarded $38.14 million to support 101 physician residency programs to sustain, retain and expand 202 resident positions. These investments will increase access to care and address California’s physician shortage.